Michigan releases Aug. regional jobless rates

LANSING (AP) -- The state says seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates have decreased in all of Michigan's 17 major labor markets. The figures for August were released last week by the Department of Technology, Management and Budget, and they reflect seasonal reductions in the work force. Fewer unemployed workers actively sought employment in August than in July. Summer hiring receded from a July peak. Statewide, the unadjusted jobless rate in August was 11 percent compared with 11.9 percent in July. Rates ranged from a low of 7.2 percent in the Ann Arbor region to a high of 12.9 percent in the Detroit region. Seasonally unadjusted payroll jobs in Michigan increased by 0.3 percent in August. Jobs were added in manufacturing, construction and professional and business services. The state lost government jobs. Published: Mon, Sep 26, 2011